Potential of Freshwater Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Bloom Biomass for Biomethane Production via Anaerobic Digestion

The increasing incidence of freshwater cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs), driven by anthropogenic activities, poses significant environmental challenges and risks to water quality management. However, these blooms also represent an untapped resource for renewable energy production, particularly through the conversion of biomass to biomethane via anaerobic digestion (AD). AD not only converts cyanoHAB biomass into renewable energy but also degrades harmful microcystins, transforming environmental hazards into energy resources. This review explores the potential of cyanobacterial biomass as a substrate for biomethane production highlighting the dual benefits of alleviating environmental impacts and contributing to the renewable energy sector. It discusses the composition and characteristics of cyanobacterial biomass, the process and efficiency of anaerobic digestion, and the practical challenges and opportunities in integrating this approach into existing waste management and energy systems. This paper aims to bridge the gap between managing environmental hazards and generating renewable energy offering insights into research advancements, commercial scalability, and policy implications.